PokerPro218

Pick: Baltimore +2, BAL/NYJ +36

Why: Really looking forward to this doubleheader Monday Night and man I like the Ravens! I’m not gonna talk about the Hard Knocks hype and also sometimes hypes are for real, anyway take a closer look at this Jets team. They lost one of the most reliable running backs in the last 4 or 5 years and even though he’s not a starter anymore it does feels nice to have that one guy you can go to on tough spots. Also they added like tons of new players, which I’m sure they are all great but its not that easy to learn how to play with new teammates and in close games that will make a difference on both sides of the football. Also what do you like about Sanchez? Sure if he played for Pete Carroll I’d be close to a Jets fan right now, but the thing is he does not and as much as Rex Ryan is a great coach he couldnt get much done for him yet, and every time you rely on your running game against the Ravens D you cant be in good shape. We can talk about how much that Ravens offense got improved in the offseason but honestly I’d pick the 09 Ravens to win this game against the Jets. About the total I really think 36 is a low line for a MNF game as you know this are usually prone to big plays, and when you are facing this two D’s you cant expect nothing less than turnovers to push the game over and if both hypes about those two improved teams are true, the over should be a safe pick.

Good Luck, 

Paulie.

Also Pick: CLE +3, JAX -3, ARI -4, GB -3

Why: Jake and the Browns face the Buccaneers. Tampa had one of the worst pass defenses last year and they did nothing to improve it. Delhomme brought some excitement to Browns offense. On the other side of the ball Tampa cant seem to set the tempo offensively and if their O cant get the job done eventually their depleted D will make mistakes and allow the Browns to take control of this game.

Why: Broncos organization are making a fool of themselves. They just lost one of the better NFL coaches, then they traded a 1st round pick for a 6th round pick for absolutely no reason. Orton had some momentum in the first half of the last season but I dont think he’ll perform that way. I dont love Jax team but I think they are a better team overall and play with home field advantage. I think this is going to be one of the smallest lines for the Broncos this year and I’m taking advantage of it.

Finally! The wait is over!

Pick: SF 49ers -3

Pick: Detroit Lions +7

Why: This line looks crazy to me. The Bears shouldnt be 7 points favorite against nobody in the league. Take a look at 2009 Bears, what do you like about them? Their backfield is not improved, Cutler has proved he’s not a good QB and when your wide receivers cant get enough separation or protect their routes you are not in good shape. Now take a look at Detroit: Jahvid Best is one of the best running backs to come to this organization in a LONG time, he is the real deal. Stattford with Megatron and Burleson should be more productive. Also the Lions D just got up a grade with Suh, this guy is a beast, cant be stopped, tell me what do you think its going to happen to Cutler with this kind of pass rush? Pick Detroit.

Pick: Colts -2

Why: When was the last time Peyton Manning lost a regular season game? A week 1 game? When was the last time you saw the Texans beat the Colts? I cant remember and I dont think this is going to change sunday. Bob Sanders is back and this guy can do it all, he can pass rush, he can get to the running back before the linebackers, he can cover the pass and he is healthy. I dont think Texans young RB will be enough of a threat to Colts D and they will be able to focus on guarding Johnson. Manning has more weapons than ever at wide receivers. Even if this game gets close, you know 4th quarter belongs to Peyton.

Good Luck, 

Paulie.